I purchased a 6920 from a LGS approximately mid June. I’ve put 2,700 rds through it, including 1,000 steel cased cheapies, with nary a problem. I’m new to the platform and learning as I go. I recently was thinking about my last cleaning and realized I didn’t recall seeing any markings. I just pulled the BCG and there is not a single distinguishing mark on the BCG of any kind. No “C” on the side, no marking of any kind on the bolt. Nothing. Gas key staking looks very good, barrel markings and markings on the upper look good.
I bought this new but it was on display, not plastic sealed in the box. Is there the remotest of chances this slipped through QC or should I be making a semi-irate phone call tomorrow morning?
The Bolt should be marked MP, as mine from 2012 is. Take a picture of the carrier and bolt. That will help others with more knowledge determine what you have.
Colt bolts usually have MP C stamped on them and often times I small white dot on the bolt. The extractor spring should be copper colored with a black insert and I believe there should be a small C on the underside of the extractor as well. Most legit carriers I have seen also had the C on the left side.
The copper colored extractor spring is the only thing legit I could find. No white dot. No markings of any kind. Pictures would be of no help. It looks like a typical Colt BCG/bolt with not the slightest hint of the appropriate stamps/markings anywhere.
It seems highly unlikely that this slipped through the Colt factory but I’m not remotely close to having the knowledge to make that claim and don’t want to put the proverbial foot up someones ass (LGS) that doesnt deserve it.
Giving similar circumstances, what would the experienced/knowledgable members suggest my next move be?
With so many manufacturers of BCGs these days, markings are the only way to verify the pedigree of parts. I have never seen a Colt BCG marketed as such without the “C” on the carrier and extractor and “MPC” on the bolt as mentioned. I do not think the staking proves anything.
If the BCG came without markings from a brand-new factory-sealed complete 6920, then I would say that it was a mistake from the factory. If it came from anywhere else and all you have to go in is the seller’s word, then I say it’s not legit.
Just my $.02.
I say this as someone who only buys Colt OEM parts for my guns. I would NOT buy a Colt BCG advertised as such without the aforementioned markings.
My two 6920 uppers (1 complete rifle from an LGS, 1 upper from Grant) had MP, C and the white dot. Sounds like LGS folks swapped out and sold the Colt BCG separately then put in a generic replacement. After this much time, not sure what you can do. I would take it up with them, but the LGS is probably not going to budge given how long you have had the rifle. Likely response: “How do we know you didn’t put in a generic bolt to get a new Colt one out of us?” I was glad my complete rifle was okay as I did not check it for markings (just staking) before leaving. Sorry to hear that. :sad:
I’ve never bought a 6920 that was sealed in plastic, they were in open ended plastic bags and in a cardboard box. The plastic bags were clear with blue Colt logo’s on them. My Colt BCGs have the markings described previously. My spring on the extractor is not copper colored though, it’s a dull silver.
I would call Colt customer service, they might be able to shed some light on this.
I’ve never seen a new Colt without the markings described above (the white dot should be a dead giveaway). If it was a display model, it’s possible the gun store employees and/or customers pulled out a bunch of BCG’S to compare them and then got them mixed up when they put them back in the guns.
Hey, thanks for all the support and comments. It’s unfortunate we live in a world where one of our options is to consider people may try and cheat you for a buck.
I continued googling and came across a guy with similar concerns. He ended up finding the markings but it took magnification. My carrier “C” showed up for a brief instance when wet with Hoppes or alcohol wipes but literally disappeared in and instant. Didn’t use much Hoppes as that thing was squeaky clean after all the inspecting.
Same with the bolt only worse. I wiped it with alcohol, manipulated from every angle in the best light and finally thought I caught a glimpse. I kept at it and sure enough it has the proper marking
though nearly invisible when “wet” and impossible to see dry. Being new, my first concern was the staking on first inspection. Lesson learned.
Thanks for all the input and help from what must be a rather mundane subject for such an experienced members group.
My 6920, purchased in 10/2010, has a very faint MPC etched into the bolt. No “C” anywhere on the carrier. Sealed box, yadda,yadda, etc. Buddy of mine purchased his from same local gun shop a month later. His serial # just over 1000 higher than mine, his carrier has the “C”. Me thinks it’s just the way it goes. Just like some BCM carriers don’t have the “BCM” logo on it. If you haven’t had a problem, don’t think about it. Replace bolt/BCG if and when it’s needed. Otherwise you’ll just be wondering about something that’s doesn’t need wondering about. If you’re still going to fret about it, call Colt and see what THEY say.
My 6920 SOCOM was sealed in the Colt bag, was marked with the “C” on the bolt carrier, and had the MPC on the bolt. All of my Colts purchased were marked the same.
